The one hundred and seventy....
It has come to my notice that QF mainline now has nearly 170 pilots over 60 still employed.
For many of these individuals, they cannot afford to retire due to multiple marriages and / or poor financial choices. In this light, there is little choice but for them to continue to work.
However, even if 50% of "the 170" fall into this category, it still leaves a substantial number of Captains flying for greed, hubris, or a combination of both.
Flying over 60 is common now elsewhere in the world. In the US it has become a necessity because non vested pensions were wiped out in the post 9/11 bankruptcy of airlines.
In Qantas however, the situation is different. Superannuation is fully vested, and many, perhaps even the majority of the over 60's are sitting on a bomb of super.
One ex -400 Capt now flying the B737 made more money last year on his 3M+ super pile then he did in salary.
Qantas is looking at redundancies for S/O's this year. Perhaps up to 70 if the unions calculations are correct. Despite a desperate rear guard action by AIPA and senior flight ops management, this is all part of Ian Oldmeadows and Joyce's design, and they can proceed regardless of the relatively small scope of activities that can be taken to prevent occurance.
Whilst I realise that for some of the over 60's, being a Qantas Captain defines them as a human being, its worth considering that they have had a great run in aviation, have superannuation and assets that this current generation of pilots will never see, and the capacity to do some good for their fellow pilots.
Therefore, a message to the 170. If you can afford to retire in the next 12 months then do so. Enjoy the fruits of your hard earned labour and give others a chance to remain employed.